https://substack.com/@theromileygazette?
8th January 2026
Residents in Romiley have accused the council of staggering incompetence after a string of errors over a proposed fencing and gates scheme at Padden Brook and Howard Close (DC/097706).
The row centres on consultation letters sent to local households. The original letter clearly stated that residents had until 11 January to submit their views. Despite this, residents were later told it was “too late” to respond — a claim they say is simply false.
Adding fuel to the fire, the council then issued a second amended letter — containing the wrong date.
“This isn’t a minor typo. This is basic administration,” said one furious resident.
“The original letter gave us until the 11th of January. That deadline still stands. The amended letter is just wrong.”
Residents say the situation has left them questioning whether the consultation process is being taken seriously at all.
“People are being told they’ve missed a deadline they haven’t missed,” another resident said.
“It’s incompetence piled on top of incompetence. The lunatics really are running the asylum.”
Critics argue that issuing multiple corrected letters — each with fresh errors — risks invalidating the consultation and undermines public trust.
Adding to local frustration is the fact that senior council officials — including Emma Curle, the Head of Planning — are paid at the higher end of the council’s senior leadership pay scale, which for Assistant Directors falls between roughly £80,000 and £111,000 per year. Residents say this raises questions about accountability when basic communication errors occur under such highly-paid oversight. CTF Assets
“There’s no excuse for this,” a resident added.
“If the council can’t even get dates right, how are residents supposed to have confidence that their objections or comments will be properly recorded and considered?”
So far, residents say they have received no clear explanation for the conflicting information or reassurance that valid responses will not be dismissed. The residents of Howard Close received no letters.
The Romiley Gazette has approached the council for comment.
